Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop

This 17.4 km mountain bike loop usually takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery and historical sites.

The trail is generally considered a moderate mountain bike ride. While it requires good fitness, it's suitable for most skill levels. Some sections are easier (STS S0-S1), but others, particularly within the Blanchdown Wood loop, can be more challenging (STS S2) with uneven paths and rough tracks. Beginners should be comfortable with varied terrain.

You'll encounter a diverse range of surfaces, including singletrack, paths, and cycleways. Approximately 10.5 km of the route is unpaved, featuring woodland rough tracks and uneven paths that can become muddy, especially in winter. There are also about 3.96 km of paved sections, and parts of the Wheal Maria Trail have a compacted stone surface with moderate inclines.

The route is rich in both natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll enjoy beautiful views, including vistas from Blanchdown Wood and Morwell Rock overlooking the River Tamar. The trail follows old mineral railway lines, passing significant historical structures like the ruins of the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex and the historical port of Morwellham Quay, showcasing the region's copper and arsenic mining past.

The Beech Cafe at Tamar Trails Centre is an excellent starting and finishing point, offering convenient parking. It also provides facilities like bike hire and toilets.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around other trail users and wildlife. Be mindful of the historical mining areas and potential hazards.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. In winter, some unpaved sections can become muddy, while summer can be busy. Always check local weather conditions before you go.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop, as it is part of the Tamar Valley National Landscape. However, facilities like parking at the Tamar Trails Centre may have charges.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails, including the Mineral Railway Trail, the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, the Riverside track, and the Woodland Track from the picnic area to the perimeter track. You'll also ride along parts of Dukes Drive and the Bedford United Trail.

The trail passes through areas with significant mining heritage, including former copper and arsenic mines. There are large contaminated arsenic spoil tips. While mining has ceased, the element can still be poisonous, so it's crucial to exercise caution, stick to marked paths, and avoid disturbing the ground or touching any waste materials.

The Beech Cafe at Tamar Trails Centre, located near the trailhead, offers a cafe, bike hire, and toilets, making it a convenient stop before or after your ride.